WagonR

The small Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a big deal in India

This third-generation Maruti Suzuki Wagon R you see here exists nowhere else in the world.

There are other Wagon Rs, like the one sold in Japan, but for India, Maruti has engineered and built a car that is all but bespoke, tailored specifically for our regulations, conditions and customer needs.

Benefits of the new platform include improved performance in crash tests,a lighter kerb weight,improved dynamics and an even roomier cabin.

Despite its boxy proportions and tall stance,Maruti Suzuki's WagonR has turned out to be a successful formula for the Indian market.

Tall and boxy is what describes the overall design of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR new model in a nutshell

The front-end now houses a single-slat chrome grille that’s flanked with angular and chunky headlamps

The fog lamps are located lower down the bumper

At the rear, the WagonR continues to be as slab-sided as its predecessor.

The wheel arches are neatly defined and there’s a nicely sculpted shoulder line that adds flair to the otherwise slab-sided profile.

There’s a black insert that runs from the C-pillar to the taillamp, which adds a floating roof effect overall.

The taillamps are placed horizontally, which do the job quite well.

It is offered in L,V and Z variants.

While the 1.0-litre engine will be available in the L and V variants only, the 1.2-litre engine will be offered only in the V and Z variants.

The CNG variant is only available in the 1.0-litre engine and the base L trim.

Standard safety features include a driver-side airbag, seatbelt reminder, ABS, speed alert system, and reverse parking sensors. 

Moreover, the top-spec ZXi variant gets electronically folding and adjustable wing mirrors, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with usual features and Apple Carplay/Android Auto

A digital MID with digital tachometer, steering-mounted audio controls, and a leather-wrapped gear knob, to name a few.

The carmaker has always emphasised on function rather than form with the interior of the WagonR.

The first thing you’ll notice is the steering wheel with controls for the audio, which has been borrowed from the Ignis

The instrument cluster is fairly basic on its own, but the digital MID does spruce up things a bit.

As for space inside, there’s enough to easily accommodate five passengers.

The tall-boy design and the added width had opened up more headroom and shoulder room, respectively

Moreover, the new WagonR makes do with fixed headrests for all passengers, while its predecessor had adjustable headrests.

It’s the company’s K10 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 67bhp and 90Nm of torque.

Now, for the first time, Maruti Suzuki has also added the 1.2-litre K12 engine to the WagonR, which is good for 82bhp and 113Nm of torque

Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual as a standard fit, while a 5-speed AMT is optional.

Previously, the carmaker had updated the 1.0-litre powertrain to meet BS6 emission norms.

It develops 68PS of power and 90Nm of torque, same as the BS4 unit.

However, the updated motor now returns 21.79 kmpl, which is a little less than the BS4 unit’s 22.5kmpl claimed figure